Ann Arbor prepares to announce Veterans Memorial Park Pool reopening and Bicentennial Park Splash Pad Grand Opening
Ann Arbor Parks & Recreation is preparing this week for the highly anticipated openings of two summer amenities. A community ceremony will introduce the city’s first universal-access splash pad at Bicentennial Park, and, following damages from an F-1 tornado in April, the outdoor pool at Veterans Memorial Park will reopen for the season. Both openings are pending final inspection approvals. The date and time for the splash pad ceremony (tentatively Thursday or Friday, June 11/12) will be announced on city parks social media, including www.facebook.com/a2parksmi, as soon as available. The pool reopening will also be announced on social media, expected before the end of the week.
Bicentennial Park Splash Pad Grand Opening Event
The community will be invited to the brief ceremony for the Bicentennial Park Splash Pad Grand Opening where Mayor Christopher Taylor will press the start button for the splash pad fun to begin. Bicentennial Park (formerly Southeast Area Park) is located at 2901 E. Ellsworth Road. (Splash pad pictured on this page.)
The splash pad’s level surface and barrier-free features will provide access for users of all abilities. It will be open to the public daily during regular park hours, providing a fun and inclusive place for families to cool off and enjoy. The splash pad is part of the Bicentennial Park Improvements Project, which includes new playground equipment and a renovated restroom building.
"A collaborative community effort has helped revitalize this beloved city park," explained Ann Arbor City Administrator Milton Dohoney Jr. "It’s truly a place the entire city can come to and be proud of." Sponsors include State of Michigan, University of Michigan, Rotary Club of Ann Arbor, United Association, Kohler Co., International Water, Sanitation and Hygiene Foundation (IWSH), AFC Ann Arbor, Ann Arbor Jaycees, Shoner Plumbing and Mechanical and Lockwood Senior Communities.
Save the date for the Bicentennial Park Splash Pad Grand Opening Celebration planned for July 10–12. The event will feature food trucks, games, family activities and more. Watch for details as the event nears.
Veterans Memorial Park Pool opening
Ann Arbor Parks & Recreation is also announcing Veterans Memorial Park Pool is expected to open for the 2026 summer season by Wednesday June 10, pending the final inspections. Extensive repairs were necessary following the April 15 tornado damage.
"Veterans Memorial Park Pool is one of the community's most popular summer amenities, and we’re excited to welcome everyone back for another season," said Parks and Recreation Services Manager Josh Landefeld.
(updated 6/9/26 at 10:25 a.m.) The pool will offer open swim, lap swimming and programs, however, the slide will not be open. Also, please be aware, some areas of the Veterans Memorial Park property remain closed as storm-related damage assessments and repairs continue. Visitors must use caution, observe all posted signage and adhere to temporary closures for their safety and the safety of others. Veterans Memorial Park is located at 2150 Jackson Ave.
“As families look for ways to stay active and cool, we’ve been just as eager for the new Bicentennial Park splash pad and Vets Park pool to open,” said Dohoney. “There has been a lot of community interest in both, and we’re happy to announce the opening plans.”
The community is reminded to watch for updates on parks social media, including www.facebook.com/a2parksmi.
Learn more about Ann Arbor Parks & Recreation at www.a2gov.org/parks.
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Media Contact:
Adam Fercho, Park Planner and Landscape Architect, afercho@a2gov.org